In this episode communication specialist Gem Fletcher interviews medical science operations lead and transformational coach Aska Matsunaga to discuss all things business.

Aska describes her unconventional career pathway and how she remains confident and credible in rooms where she may be underestimated! Listen to the full episode to find out more about Aska and her passion for helping others.

Connect with Aska: Coach It Forward

Connect with Gem: Business Unzipped

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Gem Fletcher is joined by Lesley-Anne Lloyd to explore the realities of early onset dementia in the workplace. Together, they unpack the signs we often miss, the stigma that still surrounds cognitive decline, and the practical steps organisations can take to create truly inclusive environments. From policy to compassion, this conversation challenges us to rethink how we support colleagues navigating dementia, long before retirement age. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone who cares, this episode offers insight, empathy, and action.

In this episode of Business Unzipped, I sit down with Teri Thomas, founder of Beyond & Co, whose mission is to help people uncover and elevate their personal brand with authenticity and impact. With a career shaped by powerhouse brands like J.P. Morgan and Experian, Teri brings a wealth of insight into the art of storytelling and brand strategy.

We explore what it truly means to “go beyond the expected,” why personal branding is far more than just visuals and social media, and how overlooked elements, like mindset, consistency, and story, can make or break your brand presence. Teri shares how she helps leaders tap into their unique narratives, the biggest mindset shift needed to show up confidently, and one simple action anyone can take this week to start building a brand that feels true and powerful.

Whether you're just starting out or refining your voice, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and fresh perspective.

Connect with Teri:

Instagram: @beyondandco.uk

Website: Beyond & Co. | Personal Brand Builders — SecureConnect with Gem:

Instagram: @businessunzipped

Website: www.businessunzipped.co.uk

On this episode of Business Unzipped, communications professional Gem Fletcher is joined by Steve Neocleous.

After three decades leading sales teams in the property industry, Steve Neocleous made a bold pivot... launching his own business and stepping into the world of local politics. In this episode, we explore what drove that transition, the realities of being a District and Parish Councillor, and how his experience in regeneration and strategic planning continues to shape both his entrepreneurial and political paths.

Steve opens up about the lessons learned from twice making the Parliamentary Candidates list, his take on the current political climate, and what’s next as he eyes re-election in 2026. It’s a candid conversation about community, ambition, and the balancing act of building a business while serving the public.

Connect with Steve: SMN Development Support | Stakeholder Engagement | South East, England, UKConnect with Gem: Business Unzipped

In this episode of Business Unzipped, Gem sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and strategist Allison Bridges, a business consultant with a vibrant network of female founders and influencers.

Allison has built and scaled 8+ startups, from scrappy $10K bootstraps to multimillion-dollar enterprises, generating $48.8M+ in revenue and closing $3.2M in franchise sales in a single year. She leads Experts Only, a strategy platform for founders who crave more than cookie-cutter advice, and she brings that same energy to our conversation.

We dive into how to land your first client or sale, and why it’s often the biggest hurdle, common mistakes early-stage companies make (and how to avoid them) as well as some unconventional advice that might just change your approach (spoiler: it involves ditching traditional emails!)

Allison is the embodiment of the modern entrepreneur, juggling multiple businesses, motherhood, higher education, and speaking engagements with grace and grit.

Our host Gem Fletcher is a communications strategist, podcast host, and coach-in-training who blends neuroscience, storytelling, and systems thinking to spark meaningful change. she creates space for honest conversations about leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth—unpacking what it really takes to build thriving organisations.

A finalist for Best Female Leader in the Best Business Women Awards 2025, Gem brings over a decade of experience in strategic content creation, pitch development, and organisational analysis. Her work is rooted in authenticity, measurable impact, and a deep belief in the power of reflection and connection.

Whether she’s coaching leaders through transitions, crafting compelling narratives, or exploring the science of engagement, Gem is driven by one mission: to help people and businesses grow with intention.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building something bold and looking for real, actionable insight.

In this deeply insightful episode, communications specialist Gem Fletcher welcomes Sandra Crathern Accredited coach, and author of Know The Truth. With more than 40 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Sandra brings a rich medical background into her coaching practice, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to personal transformation.

Sandra shares how a simple yet powerful tool she developed helps people identify areas of life they wish to improve. Her journey into self-care; prioritising physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, sparked profound changes not only within herself but in her relationships too.

Together, Gem and Sandra unravel the real meaning of life coaching, explore Sandra’s inspiring path, and offer listeners practical insights to begin their own healing and growth journeys. If you're curious about what it truly means to support yourself from the inside out, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take that first step.

Connect with Sandra: [email protected]

Connect with Gem:

www.businessunzipped.co.uk

[email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with transformational coach Anastasiia Leiman to unpack the emotional, mental, and practical shifts that come with leaving employment to start your own venture.

We explore how to prepare before taking the leap and what to expect in the first 6–12 months, the biggest myths about career change and what resilience really looks like when plans go sideways.

Whether you're on the edge of a big decision or already mid-leap, this episode is your reminder that discomfort is part of the growth, and you're not alone in it.

Connect with Ana: ⁠⁠⁠Ana Leiman | personal performance life coaching⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Gem: ⁠⁠⁠Business Unzipped⁠

Style isn’t just about looking good, it’s a transformative tool that can help you navigate life’s biggest challenges. In this episode, I sit down with style coach Loulou Storey to explore how what you wear can support your confidence, growth, and even your ability to manifest the life you desire.

Whether you’re facing a career shift, struggling with self-doubt, adjusting to changes in your body, or processing a difficult experience, style can be a powerful ally. It’s about more than clothes, it’s about stepping into the best version of yourself and aligning with your goals.

Tune in to discover how style can work for you in ways you never expected!

Connect with Loulou:

website: www.louloustorey.com

YouTube: @louloustorey

Instagram: @louloustorey_stylist

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Gem:

website: www.businessunzipped.co.uk

YouTube: @gemmafletcher984

Instagram: @businessunzipped

email: [email protected]

In this episode of Business Unzipped, I sit down with Tim McCleary, founder and managing director of The Involvement Practice and a true expert in culture change activation. Tim shares insights drawn from his two-decade career with industry leaders like NBC, Warner Bros., and GE, combined with 18 years of hands-on experience in crafting high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. We delve into what makes a workplace culture "positive," the critical role of trust, and how leadership styles shape organizational environments. Tim also offers practical strategies for transforming toxic workplace cultures and reveals innovative practices that drive employee engagement and measurable ROI. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is your ultimate guide to unlocking the full potential of people and businesses alike.

Email: [email protected]: theinvolvementpractice.comBe Human: be-human.todayLinkedIn Personal: linkedin.com/in/timmccleary

LinkedIn Company: linkedin.com/company/the-involvement-practice-llc

Insights: theinvolvementpractice.com/insights

Social media: substack.com/@involvementpracticeinstagram.com/the_involvement_practicemedium.com/@involvement_practice

In this episode, I sit down with Kirk Ward, a qualified physiotherapist turned journalist, author, and now CEO of Clearview, a leading strategic communications consultancy.

Kirk shares his journey from senior NHS communications roles to founding Clearview, and his passion for the transformative power of clear communication in driving positive, lasting change.

We dive into the importance of aligning communications strategy with organisational goals, the value of a seat at the decision-making table, and how even crisis management can present unique opportunities for success. Kirk unpacks how transparency fosters trust, especially during turbulent times, and reveals tools and methods to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies.

This episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.

Connect with Gem - [email protected]

Connect with Kirk - [email protected]